Laurus Rouge
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Grilled lamb chops, slow-cooked beef stew, roasted duck
✨ Technical Specifications
The 'Laurus' range from Maison Gabriel Meffre takes its name from the Latin word for laurel, a symbol of excellence, victory, and distinction in Roman antiquity—a fitting tribute to the deep Roman heritage that shaped the vineyards of the southern Rhone Valley. Designed to showcase the expressive potential of the region's diverse terroirs, the Laurus Rouge is a refined expression of classic Rhone varietals, primarily Syrah and Grenache. Sourced from vineyards characterized by stony, clay-limestone soils, the vines benefit from the intense Mediterranean sun and the purifying, cooling effects of the legendary Mistral wind. To achieve its signature balance of rich fruit and elegant structure, the wine is aged in custom-designed 275-liter oak demi-muids, a signature technique of the house that gently integrates wood tannins without overpowering the authentic regional character.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1936 by Gabriel and Juliette Meffre in Gigondas, Maison Gabriel Meffre has evolved from a pioneering family négoce into one of the Southern Rhône Valley’s most influential estates. Now part of the Boisset Collection, the house manages estate holdings—most notably Domaine de Longue Toque, nestled against the jagged limestone ridges and scree of the Dentelles de Montmirail—alongside historic grower partnerships spanning Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Plan de Dieu, and the wider Rhône and southern France. Viticulture emphasizes sustainability and certified organic farming on estate parcels. Under long-tenured head winemaker Véronique Torcolacci, cellar vinification focuses on pristine varietal purity, judicious use of large-format oak, and parcel-specific selections. Benchmark labels encompass the terroir-driven Domaine de Longue Toque cuvées, the prestige 'Laurus' series aged in bespoke 275-liter oak barrels, and the classic Saint-designated Gabriel Meffre signature range.
🍇 Grapes
Syrah, Grenache